Projectile tethered to rotatable target hoop

ABSTRACT

Game apparatus adapted to be played outdoors or indoors and including a shaft rotatably mounted at one end in a bearing of a base member either resting upon a horizontal playing surface or suspended from a ceiling. A target loop is provided on the other end of the shaft and one end of a flexible tether is looped or otherwise loosely connected to said shaft while a ball-like projectile is connected to the other end of the tether for projection to and through said target loops such as by kicking, pitching or otherwise.

"United States Patent 1191 Crowder 11] 3,819,183 June 25, 1974PROJECTILE TETHERED TO ROTATABLE TARGET HOOP [76] Inventor: William E.Crowder, P.O. RD. 1, I

- Mt. Wolf, Pa. 17347 221 Filed: Oct.l8, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 190,046

52 u.s.c1. ..273/98 51 1m. 01 ..A63b 71/00 [58] Field of Search 273/26E, 95 A, 97 R, 98, 273/102 R, 118 R, 127 R, 58 C, 102 S [56] ReferencesCited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,570,860 10/1951 Redding gigs; 3,214,16610/1965 Gaudet 273/95 A 3,589,726 6/1971 Crowder 273/98 FOREIGN PATENTS0R APPLlCATlONS 1,226,016 7/1960 1 France 273/98 265,076 10/1963Australia ..273/95A Primary Examiner-Anton O. Oechsle AssistantExaminer-Marvin Siskind Attorney, Agent, or Firm-C. Hercus Just 5 7]ABSTRACT Game apparatus adapted to be played outdoors or indoors andincluding a shaft rotatably mounted at one end in a bearing of a basemember either resting upon a horizontal playing surface or suspendedfrom a ceiling. A target loop is provided on the other end of the shaftand one end of a flexible tether is looped or otherwise looselyconnected to said shaft while a ball-like projectile is connected to theother end of the tether for projection to and through said target loopssuch as by kicking, pitching or otherwise.

2 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUHZSiBH INVENTOR. W/LL/AM i'.[Ron/0:2

ATTOR/VfY' TETHERED TO ROTATABLE TARGET HOOP CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATEDAPPLICATION PROJECTILE This application pertains to an athletic type ofgame BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention pertains to a gameapparatus which may be played either indoors or outdoors and is of anathletic nature as distinguished from a table-type game. Essentially, itembodies a target loop through which a projectile, such as a ball, isadapted to be projected in any one of number of different ways. The ballis connected to a shaft which supports the target loop by means of aflexible tether of predetermined length.

Many types of games have been developed heretofore which embody thebasic principles of throwing, kicking, or otherwise moving a projectileor game piece through a target ring or loop. To a certain extent,applicants prior Pat. No. 3,589,726, dated June 29, 1971, isillustrative of one form of game of the type to which reference is made.Other types of game apparatuses are possible of developement, however,in which different objectives are embodied from those devices which havebeen developed heretofore.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is the principal object of the presentinvention to provide game apparatus which essentially embodies a baseadapted to be fixed stationarily to supporting means having a bearing inwhich one end of a shaft is rotatably supported, while the opposite endof the shaft has a target loop thereon and a ball-like projectile isconnected by means of a flexible tether of predetermined length to saidshaft, whereby the ball may be projected by any agreed-upon game rules,such as kicking, hitting, batting, pitching or otherwise, and themovement of the projectile, when projected with adequate force, resultsin the target loop being swivelly moved about the axis of its supportingshaft and thereby rendering certain situations of play possible whichhave not been available in ball and target looptype games developedheretofore.

It is a further object of the invention, to provide, selectively, aplurality of different types of bases which may either'be supported bygravity, due to the weight of the base, upon a horizontal playingsurface without being fixed thereto, or another embodiment of the basehas a pointed end which is adapted to be projected into the soil of anoutdoor playing field or lawn, while still another type of base isadapted to be connected to an overhead surface, such as a ceiling,whereby the target loop depends downwardly form the supporting shaft.

A further object of the invention is to form the target loop fromrod-like material from which the supporting shaft is formed and bend theend portion of said rodlike material, which is opposite the rotatablysupported end thereof into said loop, but the tip of said bent endportion is spaced a limited distance from the part of the rod-likematerial which forms the opposite end of said loop which is connected tosaid shaft, whereby the end of the tether which is connected to theshaft by a small ring or loop may be moved through said space andslidably move along the loop and shaft, said arrangement also permittingdetachment of the connecting ring from the target loop when desired,such as for purposes of untangling the flexible tether from the shaft,as required. it

Details of the foregoing objects and of the invention, as well as otherobjects thereof, are set forth in the following specification andillustrated in the accompanying drawing comprising a part thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a partially sectioned andvertically foreshortened elevation of one embodiment of game apparatuswhich incorporates the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary vertical elevation, partly in section,illustrating another embodiment of supporting base for the rotatableshaft which may be substituted for the base embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertically sectioned view of a still further embodiment ofbase of the type adapted to be connected to an overhead surface, such asa ceiling, and may be used in lieu of the bases of the embodiments shownin FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a vertical elevation in smaller scale than that employed inFIG. 3 butillustrating a substantially complete type of game apparatusintended to employ the embodiment of base shown in FIG. 3, the tetherofsaid apparatus in FIG. 4 being foreshortened to accommodate the view tothe sheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION One embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 1 in which a base 10 is provided with a lower peripheral flange 12which is adapted to engage, by gravity, a horizontal supporting surface14 such as a gymnasium floor, an outdoor playing field, a paved surface,or otherwise. If desired, the base 10 may be fixedly connected to thesupporting surface 14 but, under circumstances where the base 10 isformed from a heavy metal casting, for example, the diameter of theflange 12 may be made adequate to support the base 10 solely by gravityin a manner to resist any appreciable tilting of the base with respectto surface 114 during play.

The base 10 is provided in its upper portion with a bearing sleeve 16 inwhich, for example, anti-friction bearing means such as a pair of ballbearing units 18 are mounted. The bearing units 18 preferably are spacedapart vertically a limited distance to afford rotatable support for thelower end of a substantially vertical shaft 20 which may be of anydesirable length, from a few inches, to a number of feet such aspossibly 6 or 8.

The shaft 20 preferably is made from metallic rod material and the upperend thereof is formed into a target loop 22 which, preferably, is ofcircular configuration of a predetermined diameter, such as of the orderof several feet. Said dimension is stated for purposes of example ratherthan restriction, it being understood that, preferably, the diameter ofthe target loop 22 should be substantially larger than the diameter ofthe ball-like projectile 24 which is adapted to be projected through theloop incident to playing any of a number of variety of games in whichthe apparatus is capable of being used.

From FIG. 1, it will be seen that the terminal end 26 of the rod-likematerial from which the shaft and target loop are formed is spaced fromthe bent portion 28 of the shaft and target loop to provide a preferablynarrow space 30 which is for purposes to be described.

The projectile 24, as referred to above, preferably is of substantiallyless diameter than that of the target loop 22 and, for practicalpurposes, it has been found that the diameter of the projectile 24should be no greater than one-half the diameter of target loop 22. Theprojectile 24 is connected to the target portion of the apparatus bymeans of a flexible tether 32 of any suitable material such as rope ortwine of suitable composition and diameter, or rope made from syntheticresin fibers, such as Nylon rope, which is used for many types of marinepurposes and is highly suitable to effect such connection of theprojectile 24 to the target loop 22. If desired, a light-weight chainmay also be employed for such purpose as well as metallic cable of smalldiameter.

One end of the tether 32 is fixedly connected to the projectile 24 inany suitable manner. The opposite end of the tether 32 preferably istied to a small ring 34 which is of slightly larger diameter than thatof the rod like material from which the shaft 20 is formed. Thethickness of the ring 34 also is at least slightly less than that of thespace 30 of the target loop 22 in order that the ring 34 may readily beplaced upon the shaft such as by inserting the ring 34 through the space30 and then moving it around loop 22 and down shaft 20.

By way of exemplary description of how games may be played with theapparatus described above, assume that the projectile 24 is 6 or 7inches in diameter, the shaft 20 is about 3 feet high, and the targetloop 22 is about 18 or 20 inches in diameter. Under such circumstances,the tether 32 may be 12 or feet long. Game play is initiated by oneplayer kicking or hand-throwing the projectile 24 through the targetloop 22 from the position where the projectile 24 lies upon thesupporting surface 14 for example. If the projectile passes through theloop, the player scores a goal and, depending upon the rules of play maycontinue to kick and score until a miss occurs. The next player thantakes their turn at play.

Depending upon the position of the loop 22 with respect to the player,this can be a difficult achievement, especially if the plane of thetarget loop 22 is not directly transverse to the line of sight of theplayer. In any event, if the projectile 24 is projected withconsiderable force through the target loop 22, it is readily conceivablethat such projection can hit the side of loop 22 in a way that will spinthe target loop 22 about the axis of shaft for either a partialrevolution or a number of revolutions, depending upon the force appliedand the position of loop 22 when it is hit. Under such circumstances, ifthe tether 32 should become wound around the shaft 20 when it is desiredto free the tether 32 from such situation, the ring 34 may be slippedthrough the space and thereby facilitate the unsnarling or untangling ofthe tether 32 relative to shaft 26 and target loop 22. In normal play,if the projectile passes through target loop 22, the tether 32 usuallywill drop through space 30 in coming to a normal rest position.

The foregoing example is merely illustrative and it will be seen that,if desired, shaft 22 may be 6 or 7 feet,

or possibly even more in height. Various types of kicking or handbattingor pitching the projectile 24 through the target loop 22 may be resortedto in accordance with the agreed-upon rules of play. It also should beobvious that the apparatus may be used in play, either by a singleplayer, or a plurality of players in competition with each other, andthereby afford amusement and recreation for those participating in it.

Referring to FIG. 2, it will be seen that an alternative type of base 36is provided which is of a type that may be inserted into soil 38 of anoutdoor playing field for example. Thus, the upper end portion 40 ofbase 36 preferably is cylindrical, while the lower end portion 42 istapered preferably to a substantially sharp point to facilitate thepositioning of the base 36 in the soil 38. The upper cylindrical portion40 of base 36 includes an outer race or shell 44 of a needle bearing orroller bearing unit which includes needles or rollers 46 ofpredetermined length which surround an inner sleeve 48 of the bearingunit. The lower end 50 of the supporting shaft 20' is inserted throughthe inner sleeve 48 for rotatable support thereby and a set collar 52 isfixed to said shaft to determine the extent of reception of the lowerend 50 thereof within the anti-friction bearing unit.

The length of the anti-friction bearing unit shown in FIG. 2 is adequateto enable the shaft 20 to resist reasonable bending stresses which maybe imposed upon the shaft incident to playing games with the apparatus.It will be understood that for purposes of simplifying FIG. 2, a targetloop has been omitted therefrom but it is to be assumed that the shaft20 supports a target loop similar to loop 22 in FIG. 1. correspondingly,the length of the shaft 20 also may be of any desired dimension such asfrom a few inches to a number of feet, as described above with respectto shaft 20 of the embodiment shown in FIG. I. Said target loop also hasa tether 32 and a projectile 24 connected thereto and the description ofpossible play set forth above with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 1applies equally to that of the embodiment of base structure shown inFIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, still another embodiment of base structureis illustrated. In these figures, the base 54 may be cup-shaped, asshown in FIG. 3, and a roller or needle bearing unit 56 is closelyfitted within the inner walls of the cup-shaped base 54, the bearingunit 56 being similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2, whereby repetitionof the detailed description is omitted except to additionally state thatthe bearing unit 56 bottoms upon a lower annular flange 58 formed on thelower end of the shell of cup-shaped base 54. The upper end of saidshell also is provided with a preferably annular flange 60 which extendslaterally and is adapted to be fixedly connected to a horizontaloverhead supporting surface 60, such as a ceiling, a horizontal overheadbeam, or other suitable overhead supporting surface in a buildingstructure.

From the foregoing description, it will be seen that the base 54 isintended to support a shaft 20" in depending manner. To accomplish this,the upper end of the shaft 2 extends through the inner sleeve or race ofthe bearing unit 56 and a nut 62 is threaded on the upper end thereof toprevent downward movement of the shaft relative to the base 54. The nut62 operates in opposition to a set collar 64 which abuts the lower endof the inner sleeve of the bearing unit 56.

Referring to FIG. 4, which is a vertical elevation of an exemplaryinstallation which employs the base 54 otherwise shown in FIG. 3, itwill be seen that the lower end of the shaft terminates in a target loop22' to which a tether 32' is slidably and loosely connected at one end,by means of a small ring 34, while the opposite end of the tether 32' isconnected to a ball-like projectile 24'. Under such circumstances, it ispreferred that the length of the tether 32' be adequate to permit theprojectile 24 to rest upon the playing surface 14' when the projectileis not in play.

By such foregoing arrangement, the projectile 24' will always be inposition to be engaged, at rest, by a player, either by pitching,kicking, or hand-batting the projectile toward and/or through the targetloop 22' in accordance with the method of play being followed by theplayers. As in regard to the preceding embodiments, the target loop 22also is provided with a small space 30 through which the small ring 34may be passed to either connect or disconnect the tether 32' to a orfrom the target loop 22.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the present invention providesan athletic type of game utilizing a projectile arranged to be projectedthrough a target loop but at all times restrained from movement awayfrom the target loop beyond a maximum distance which is controlled by aflexible tether that is connected at its opposite ends respectively tothe target loop and projectile. Various types of supporting base meansare provided so as to enable the basic principles of the apparatus to beutilized and games played therewith upon various types of supportingsurfaces, including even overhead surfaces, and regardless of whetherthe surfaces are of an indoor or outdoor nature.

While the invention has been described and illustrated in its severalpreferred embodiment, it should be understood that the invention is notto be limited to the precise details herein illustrated and describedsince the same may be carried out in other ways falling within the scopeof the invention as illustrated and described.

I claim:

1. 'Game apparatus comprising in combination, a base adapted to beaffixed stationarily to supporting means and having a bearing sleeveextending perpendicularly thereto and having anti-friction bearing meansmounted therein, a shaft supported at one end within said anti-frictionbearing means for free rotation relative to said base, a target loopformed at the oppd site end of said shaft and comprising a circularcontinuation of said shaft, said loop being within a substantiallyvertical plane and the terminal end of said loop being spaced from theadjacent portion of said shaft to form a narrow space, a ball-likeprojectile having a diameter smaller than said target loop, and aflexible tether of predetermined length connected at one end to a ringloosely slidable upon said shaft and loop and capable of passing throughsaid narrow space between said loop and shaft, and the other end of saidtether being connected to said projectile, whereby said projectile maybe projected by a player to and through said loop for scoring purposeswith substantially no possibility of said tether being tangled upon saidshaft or loop.

2. The game apparatus according to claim 1 in which said anti-frictionbearing means is a needle bearing comprising concentric inner and outersleeves between which needle bearing members are positioned forrotation, the inner sleeve of said needle bearing receiving said one endof said shaft to support the same rotatably relative to said base, a setcollar mounted upon said shaft in a position spaced from said one endand arranged to abut the outer end of the inner sleeve of said needlebearing to limit the insertion of said one end of said shaft into saidinner sleeve, and said base being cylindrical at one end to receive theouter sleeve of said needle bearing, and the opposite end being taperedto a point to permit the same to be inserted into the soil of an outdoorplaying surface to support said apparatus for playing.

1. Game apparatus comprising in combination, a base adapted to beaffixed stationarily to supporting means and having a bearing sleeveextending perpendicularly thereto and having anti-friction bearing meansmounted therein, a shaft supported at one end within said anti-frictionbearing means for free rotation relative to said base, a target loopformed at the opposite end of said shaft and comprising a circularcontinuation of said shaft, said loop being within a substantiallyvertical plane and the terminal end of said loop being spaced from theadjacent portion of said shaft to form a narrow space, a ball-likeprojectile having a diameter smaller than said target loop, and aflexible tether of predetermined length connected at one end to a ringloosely slidable upon said shaft and loop and capable of passing throughsaid narrow space between said loop and shaft, and the other end of saidtether being connected to said projectile, whereby said projectile maybe projected by a player to and through said loop for scoring purposeswith substantially no possibility of said tether being tangled upon saidshaft or loop.
 2. The game apparatus according to claim 1 in which saidanti-friction bearing means is a needle bearing comprising concentricinner and outer sleeves between which needle bearing members arepositioned for rotation, the inner sleeve of said needle bearingreceiving said one end of said shaft to support the same rotatablyrelative to said base, a set collar mounted upon said shaft in aposition spaced from said one end and arranged to abut the outer end ofthe inner sleeve of said needle bearing to limit the insertion of saidone end of said shaft into said inner sleeve, and said base beingcylindrical at one end to receive the outer sleeve of said needlebearing, and the opposite end being tapered to a point to permit thesame to be inserted into the soil of an outdoor playing surface tosupport said apparatus for playing.